JP5932091B2 - Delivery devices, sample distribution systems, and laboratory automation systems - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention delivers the sample containers received in each sample container carrier from the transport surface of the sample distribution system to a location external to the transport surface and / or from the external location to the transport surface. It relates to a delivery device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sample distribution system comprising such a delivery device and to a laboratory automation system comprising such a sample distribution system.

  Sample containers are typically elongated containers that are open at one end and are typically made from clear glass or plastic and are typically used for storing and transporting liquid samples. Such a sample is, for example, a blood sample.

  In the case of laboratory automation systems, it is often necessary to transport the sample in the sample container to a number of different stations in the laboratory automation system.

  Document WO2013 / 064656A1 shows a sample distribution system comprising a plurality of sample container carriers, each having a magnetic element. The sample container carrier is designed to receive, for example, a sample container in the form of a sample tube. The sample container contains a sample (eg, a blood sample) to be analyzed. The sample dispensing system further comprises a transport device comprising a transport surface, which is designed to carry the sample container carrier. The sample dispensing system further includes a plurality of electromagnetic actuators that are stationary and disposed below the transport surface. The electromagnetic actuator is designed to move each sample container carrier over the transport surface by applying a magnetic force. The control device is designed to activate the electromagnetic actuator such that each sample container carrier moves over the transport surface along a predeterminable movement path. The sample distribution system serves to transport sample containers between different stations of the laboratory automation system, and the travel path typically runs between the different stations.

  Known sample dispensing systems can reliably move sample container carriers between different stations or store them for a specific time on the transport surface. However, it may also be necessary to take the sample onto the transport surface or to deliver the sample from the transport surface to a remote device (eg, an additional transport surface). In common types of sample distribution systems, this typically requires manual intervention.

WO2013 / 064656A1

  The present invention provides a delivery device capable of delivering a sample container carrier from a transport surface of a sample dispensing system to an external location or from an external location to a transport surface without the need for manual intervention. Work on. Furthermore, the present invention addresses the problem of providing a sample distribution system comprising such a delivery device. Furthermore, the present invention addresses the problem of providing a laboratory automation system comprising such a sample distribution system.

  This is achieved according to the invention by a delivery device according to claim 1, a sample dispensing system according to claim 5 and a laboratory automation system according to claim 11.

  The present invention delivers the sample containers received in each sample container carrier from the transport surface of the sample distribution system to a location external to the transport surface and / or from the external location to the transport surface. Or relates to a delivery device for transport. Each sample container carrier (which does not form part of the delivery device and is capable of receiving one or more sample containers) will in this case have at least one magnetically active element. And at least one magnetically active element is designed to interact with the magnetic field generated by the at least one electromagnetic actuator so that a driving force is induced on the sample container carrier. It has become.

The shipping device is
-A tube or pipe extending from the transport surface to an external location;
-A capsule that can be moved in a tube between a transport surface and an external location and has a transport surface for receiving a sample container carrier;
-A drive unit designed to move the capsule in the tube between the transport surface and the external position;
-It can also be referred to as a transport surface actuator, and has at least one electromagnetic actuator arranged below the transport surface and designed to apply a driving force to the sample container carrier Yes.

  With the delivery device according to the invention, the sample container carrier in which the sample container is received is automated and delivered from the transport surface to the external position or from the external position to the transport surface, without any particularly complicated equipment It is possible. At the same time, both manual intervention and complex transport systems can be omitted.

  With each sample container carrier, it is possible to transport single or multiple samples or sample containers between, for example, a pre-analysis station, an analysis station, and / or a post-analysis station. In particular, these can be stations of a laboratory automation system. In this case, the pre-analysis station usually serves to pre-process the sample or sample container. An analysis station can be designed to use a sample, or a portion of a sample, and a reagent, for example, to generate a measurable signal, and based on the measurable signal, the analyte is It is possible to determine whether it is present, and if so, what the concentration is. A post-analysis station typically serves to post-process the sample or sample container. Also, with the delivery device according to the invention, such a pre-analysis station, an analysis station or a post-analysis station can be located, for example, in an external position, which nevertheless is an intermediate manual step. Without being able to accept or deliver the sample.

  The delivery device according to the invention can also be used for taking samples into respective sample containers, for example from an external sample supplier (eg a receiving station in a hospital, etc.). Such a receiving station can be used, for example, by a physician to introduce a blood sample taken from a patient and thereby deliver the blood sample to a transport surface. The location where such a receiving station is installed can then be referred to as an external location, for example.

  An electromagnetic actuator (preferably an electromagnet) arranged under the conveying surface is electrically and mechanically connected to the capsule and can consequently move with the capsule, according to one embodiment. It is. In other words, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator is also delivered through the tube. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the electromagnetic actuator can also be stationary, i.e. the electromagnetic actuator remains in a certain position, which is typically on the transport surface. Along.

  In this case, for example, a stationary electromagnetic actuator can be pivoted and, after arrival of the capsule, it is adapted to be moved under the conveying surface, in order to transport the capsule away, It can be provided that it is pivoted again from the intended area of movement of the capsule.

  A driving force can be applied to the sample container carrier to move the sample container carrier into the capsule or to move the sample container carrier from the capsule. This ideally allows uninterrupted movement of the sample container carrier over the transport surface and is subsequently followed by or into the capsule by uninterrupted movement over the transport surface. Allows movement from

  The capsule can have a closeable opening for introducing a sample container carrier into which the sample container is received. This allows both unimpeded introduction of the sample container carrier with the sample container and protection during delivery. The tube can have a closeable opening through which the capsule opening is accessible in the open state. Such an opening can block the tube from the surrounding environment during delivery, which is advantageous if, for example, the capsule is moved through the tube by positive and / or negative pressure. There is a possibility. This is described in more detail further below.

  The delivery device can be designed to close the sample container before or after introduction into the capsule. For this purpose, the delivery device can have, for example, an actuable closure or plug, which is pressed onto the sample container in the capsule by an actuator (eg in the form of a spring). . In this way, advantageously it is possible to prevent leakage of the sample from the sample container. In particular, sample leakage can also be avoided if the sample container is tumbled during delivery, for example.

  The delivery device can have a confirmation device, which should be accurate to confirm whether the sample container is closed prior to introduction into the capsule. In this way, an unclosed sample container is introduced and delivered into the capsule (in some cases, if the unclosed sample container falls, for example in response to a sample leak, Can be avoided).

  The capsule can have a holding device, which is designed to secure the sample container carrier with the sample container in the capsule. With such a holding device it is possible to avoid the sample container carrier and / or the sample container falling over in relation to the capsule during delivery. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid uncontrolled movement of the sample container carrier and / or sample container within the capsule during delivery, which prevents, for example, the sample from leaking, or , Preventing the sample container from being damaged during delivery.

  The capsule may have a longitudinal direction that extends in a transverse direction relative to the conveying surface, and the capsule is such that the longitudinal direction of the capsule is largely parallel to the longitudinal extension of the tube. Move through the tube while maintaining. This corresponds to an exemplary embodiment of a pneumatic delivery system. Consequently, for example, in that embodiment, it is possible to rely on known components to form a pneumatic delivery system.

  According to one embodiment, the capsule has a plurality of transport surfaces, at least one electromagnetic actuator is disposed under each transport surface, and the capsules have one of the transport surfaces. , Further means for bringing to a specific position suitable for loading and / or unloading. With such an embodiment, multiple sample container carriers with their respective sample containers can be delivered by just one delivery operation. Means for taking one of the transport surfaces to a particular position is such that the particular transport surface to be loaded and / or unloaded can be loaded and / or unloaded. Allows you to be taken to the transport surface.

  The plurality of transfer surfaces can be arranged along a circle, for example, and can be made rotatable by an electric motor, for example. Such an embodiment can be formed similar to a magazine for a rotary handgun.

  Providing electromagnetic actuators under a plurality of transfer surfaces can be performed, for example, so that the electromagnetic actuators assigned to the respective transfer surfaces are arranged under the respective transfer surfaces. It moves with the transport surface and turns with, for example, the transport surface. Alternatively, a single electromagnetic actuator (which is typically positioned at a suitable position for loading and / or unloading the sample container carrier) can be provided. Furthermore, as already mentioned above, such an electromagnetic actuator can be pivoted, for example, to allow movement of the capsule for delivery and / or in this case, for example, also to turn the transport surface. It can be embodied as possible.

  The drive unit can be designed to generate positive and / or negative pressure in the tube to move the capsule through the tube. This corresponds to an efficient possibility of moving such a capsule through a tube, similar to known pneumatic delivery systems. This makes it possible to rely at least in part on known components. The drive unit can further include a wheel, a drag belt, and the like.

  The delivery device can have a means for identifying the capsule, whereby, for example, a plurality of capsules can be used in the delivery device. In this way, the delivery device can, for example, detect from which external location (ie from which receiving station, for example) the capsule is coming (when there are multiple possibilities in this regard). .

  The capsule can have a means to ensure occlusion, and all loose and / or open components may be checked for their condition prior to delivery of the capsule. It is like that. Thus, for example, it is possible to avoid delivering the capsule in a state where the opening is not closed. Still further, in this way it is possible to detect an undesired release of the sample, so that it is possible to investigate the integrity of the sample based on means for ensuring occlusion. This is useful, for example, whenever a failure occurs, and the sample to be transported must be removed from the system. It is then possible to remove the sample at the faulty location and feed the sample back to another location. If the sample has been opened, the sample is considered damaged and is sent for disposal.

Furthermore, the present invention provides
A plurality of sample container carriers for receiving one or more sample containers, each sample container carrier having at least one magnetically active element and at least one magnetically active element; A plurality of sample container carriers, the elements of which are designed to interact with a magnetic field generated by at least one electromagnetic actuator, such that a driving force is induced on the sample container carrier;
-A transport surface designed to carry the sample container carrier;
-It can also be referred to as a transport surface actuator, is stationary and located below the transport surface, and moves the sample container carrier placed on the transport surface by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carrier. A plurality of electromagnetic actuators designed to
A delivery device according to the invention;
A control device, the control device comprising:
-Activate an electromagnetic actuator or transport surface actuator located below the transport surface so that each sample container carrier moves over the transport surface along a predeterminable path of travel. ,
-Activating at least one electromagnetic actuator or transport surface actuator disposed below the transport surface and / or electromagnetic actuator or transport surface actuator disposed below the transport surface so that the sample container carrier is It is moved in the direction of the transport surface or from the transport surface to the transport surface,
-Relates to a sample dispensing system in which the drive unit is activated and the capsule is designed to be moved through the tube between the transport surface and the external position.

  A plurality of electromagnetic actuators (which can also be referred to as transport surface actuators and placed stationary below the transport surface) can be distributed in a matrix, so that two-dimensional movement over the transport surface It can be triggered.

  With the sample distribution system according to the present invention, the advantages of the delivery device according to the present invention can be made suitable for use for the sample distribution system. With regard to the delivery device, it is possible to rely on all the embodiments described further above.

  In particular, each sample container carrier can not only be moved over the transport surface, but can also be advantageously delivered to an external location. Thereby, it is equally possible to omit manual intervention and to omit complex transport mechanisms.

  A sample container carrier that is moved in the direction from the transport surface to the transport surface is typically the sample container carrier to be delivered. Sample container carriers that are moved in the direction from the transport surface to the transport surface are typically delivered sample container carriers. A delivered sample container carrier is understood to mean, inter alia, a sample container carrier that is inserted into a capsule at an external location and is received on a transport surface for distribution.

  By being moved along the tube, the capsule can be brought to a position where the transport surface forms a horizontal extension of the transport surface. This can be achieved, for example, with a suitable stopper. By placing the transport surface in such a manner relative to the transport surface, the sample container can be transported from the transport surface to the transport surface (and vice versa) without any obstructions such as offset or tilting. It is possible to move the carrier.

  Given the corresponding configuration of the capsule and / or tube, the transport surface simply forms a horizontal extension of the transport surface when the corresponding opening in the tube or in the capsule is opened. I want you to understand. Also, for example, by turning, it may be necessary to first bring the desired transport surface to a position along the transport surface. This was further explained above, for example with reference to a capsule comprising a plurality of transport surfaces.

For the purpose of delivering the sample container carrier positioned on the transport surface, the control device
-The drive unit is activated so that the capsule is moved to the loading position, where the transport surface forms a horizontal extension of the transport surface;
-Activating an electromagnetic actuator located below the transport surface so that the sample container carrier to be delivered is moved over the transport surface to the capsule;
-Activating at least one electromagnetic actuator disposed below the transport surface and / or an electromagnetic actuator disposed below the transport surface such that the sample container carrier is moved onto the transport surface; And
It is possible to activate the drive unit and design the capsule to be moved in the direction of the external position through the tube.

  With such a design of the control device, it is possible to advantageously achieve automated delivery of the sample container carrier in which the sample container is contained from the transport surface to an external location.

  The control device can be, for example, a computer, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and the like. The control device can comprise, for example, processor means and memory means, the memory means storing program code, which when executed, as defined by the control device Make it work.

For the purpose of receiving the sample container carrier positioned in the capsule, the control device is
-The drive unit is activated so that the capsule in which the sample container carrier is contained is moved to the loading position, where the transport surface forms a horizontal extension of the transport surface; And
-Activating at least one electromagnetic actuator located below the transport surface and / or below the transport surface so that the sample container carrier is moved onto the transport surface; It is possible to design as

  With such a design of the control device, receiving the sample container carrier in which the sample container is received from an external location can be advantageously achieved. For example, in this way, it is possible to receive a sample from an external analyzer, from a sample supplier (eg, a receiving station, a hospital, or some other sample source, etc.).

  According to one development, the sample distribution system has an additional transport surface at an external location, the additional transport surface is designed to carry a sample container carrier, and the sample distribution system includes a plurality of sample distribution systems. A plurality of additional electromagnetic actuators, wherein the plurality of additional electromagnetic actuators are stationary and disposed below the additional transport surface, and the additional electromagnetic actuator is configured to apply a magnetic force to the sample container carrier to Designed to move the sample container carrier placed on top. The delivery device is in this case designed to deliver the sample container carrier from the transport surface to the further transport surface and / or from the further transport surface to the transport surface.

  Such a developed sample dispensing system allows two spatially separate transport surfaces to be connected to each other, so that the sample container carrier in which the sample container is contained can be replaced. It has become. This allows for considerable flexibility when installing the sample distribution system.

  The control device can be designed to activate an electromagnetic actuator that is located below the further transport surface, and each sample container carrier moves along the transport surface along a predeterminable movement path. It is designed to be moved up. In this way, an additional transport surface can be used similar or similar to the transport surface, and further the additional transport surface can be controlled by the same control device.

  Additional transport surfaces can be located, for example, in different rooms, such that the sample distribution system can be divided among multiple rooms, multiple floors, multiple buildings. .

  The transport surface can be divided into logical zones, each logical zone being assigned to an electromagnetic actuator from a plurality of electromagnetic actuators or from a plurality of further electromagnetic actuators, The transport surface forms a further logical zone, and when the transport surface forms a horizontal extension of the respective transport surface, the control device is formed by the transport surface as one logical zone of the transport surface The logical zone to be processed. In this way it is possible to achieve a simple execution of internal procedures in the control device. The reason is that the control device does not have to take into account the separation between the transport surface and the transport surface with respect to the operation of the electromagnetic actuator.

  It also takes the sample container carrier into which the sample container is received from the transport surface onto the transport surface (and vice versa) for transport from the transport surface into the capsule. It is to be understood that alternative mechanisms may be used. For example, a gripping arm, drag belt, or some other device for moving the transport device can be used for this purpose. Embodiments of delivery devices and sample distribution systems that use such mechanisms instead of electromagnetic actuators (ie, gripping arms or drag belts, among others) can be understood as independent concepts of the invention. Is possible. With regard to further details of these inventive concepts, the embodiments given above are given above as long as they are compatible with the use of gripping arms, drag belts, or some other mechanism. Reference may be made to embodiments.

  A laboratory automation system has multiple (eg, between 2 and 20) pre-analysis stations, analysis stations, and / or post-analysis stations, which can include sample containers and / or sample containers. Designed to work on or process the samples contained within. Working or processing, for example, reading barcodes, removing caps on tubes, centrifuging samples, aliquoting samples, analyzing samples, etc. Can be included. The laboratory automation system further comprises a sample distribution system as described above for transporting the sample containers between the pre-analysis station, the analysis station and the post-analysis station.

  The pre-analysis station, analysis station, and post-analysis station are, for example, a group of the following stations: a cap removal station for removing the cap or closure on the sample tube, a cap for applying the cap or closure to the sample tube Application station, aliquot station for aliquoting samples, centrifuge station for centrifuging samples, archiving station for archiving samples, pipetting station for pipetting, sample or sample Sorting station for sorting tubes, sample tube type determination station for determining sample tube type And, from the sample quality determination station for determining the quality of the sample can include at least one station.

  The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a capsule according to a first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 schematically shows a capsule according to a second exemplary embodiment. 1 schematically shows a sample distribution system comprising a delivery device. 1 schematically shows a sample distribution system comprising a delivery device.

  FIG. 1 shows a capsule 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment. Capsule 10 is designed to deliver a sample container carrier receiving a sample container therein, for example, by a delivery device according to the present invention.

  The capsule 10 has an opening 12, which can be closed by a flap 14. In FIG. 1, the flap 14 is shown in an open state, and the opening 12 is also open. As a result, the internal space 20 of the capsule 10 is accessible.

  Below the interior space 20 is a transport surface 22 on which the sample container carrier can be received. An electromagnet 24 is disposed under the transfer surface 22 and can exert a force on the sample container carrier by means of the electromagnet 24, which is a magnetically active element in the form of a permanent magnet. Including.

  The internal space 20 is embodied in the form of a cylinder. In order to better secure the sample container carrier and the sample container contained therein in the capsule 10 during transport, the capsule 10 has a holding device in the form of two jaws 26 in the inner space 20. doing. In this way, it is avoided that the sample container falls in the capsule 10 or turns around.

  FIG. 2 shows a capsule 10a according to a second exemplary embodiment, which is compared with the first exemplary embodiment, in which the capsule 10a according to the second exemplary embodiment is a sample container. Has a total of four transport surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d rather than a single transport surface to receive the sample container carrier contained therein. The range has been corrected. As a result, a total of four sample container carriers, in which the sample containers are contained, can be transported simultaneously in the capsule 10a. Each of the four transport surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d has electromagnets 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d respectively disposed below them, and these electromagnets 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d provide magnetic A force can be applied to the sample container carrier with the active element.

  The capsule 10a according to the second exemplary embodiment has an opening 12a, which can be closed by a flap 14a. The flap 14a is here shown in an open state. Through the opening 12a, the internal space 20a of the capsule 10a is accessible.

  Through the opening 12a, only one of the four transport surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d is accessible in each case. An electric motor 28a is arranged in the center of the internal space 20a of the capsule 10a so that it can be selected which of the four conveying surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d should be accessible, By means of the electric motor 28a, the four conveying surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d in the internal space 20a can be moved along a circular path. As a result, the desired transport surface of the four transport surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d can be arranged to be accessible through the opening 12a when the flap 14a is opened.

  3a and 3b show a sample distribution system 100 according to the present invention, which comprises a delivery device 200 according to the present invention. The sample dispensing system 100 according to the present invention has two spatially separate transport surfaces 110 and 110a that provide horizontal surfaces for two-dimensional transport of the sample container carrier 140, respectively. Yes. Shown here on the transport surface 110 is a sample container carrier 140 having received therein a sample container in the form of a sample tube 145 embodied like a test tube. In principle, any desired number of sample containers 145 can be placed on the transport surfaces 110 and 110a and they can move on the transport surfaces 110 and 110a. Please understand that.

  In order to drive the sample container carrier 140, a number of electromagnetic actuators in the form of electromagnets 120 and 120a with respective cores 125 and 125a are arranged under the transport surfaces 110 and 110a, respectively. These actuators can be activated individually so that they can generate a magnetic field as defined. Within the sample container carrier 140 is a magnetically active element in the form of a permanent magnet, which causes the sample container carrier 140 to be placed on the transport surface 110 or 110a by a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 120 or 120a, respectively. The top can be moved.

  Also, a number of position sensors in the form of Hall sensors 130 are located on the transport surface 110 or 110a, and the Hall sensors 130 detect the position of the sample container carrier 140 on the transport surface 110 or 110a. Is possible.

  The sample distribution system 100 further comprises a transport device 200 according to the present invention. This device has a tube 210 and, as a result, is configured similar to a pneumatic delivery system. Tube 210 connects a first location 202 (which is defined above transport surface 110) to a remote location 204 (which is more precisely specified below).

  An opening 212 is provided in the tube 210, and the opening 212 can be closed by a flap 214. The flap 214 is here shown in an open state so that the internal space of the tube 210 is accessible.

  Within the tube 210 is a capsule 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment, which is represented in FIG. Here, the flap 14 of the capsule 10 is opened, and the opening 12 of the capsule 10 is similarly opened. The internal space 20 of the capsule 10 is consequently accessible.

  In the state shown in FIG. 3 a, the transport surface 22 forms a horizontal extension of the transport surface 110. This means that the sample container carrier 140 can be moved without obstacles from the transport surface 110 onto the transport surface 22 and from the transport surface 22 onto the transport surface 110.

  A drive unit 220 is formed at the opposite end of the tube 210. The drive unit 220 is suitable for generating a negative or positive pressure in the tube 210 such that the negative or positive pressure spreads in the tube 210 to one side of the capsule 10. Yes. In this case, the capsule 10 is well sealed and received in the tube 210 so that it can be moved through the tube by this negative or positive pressure. This allows the capsule 10 to move back and forth between the first location 202 and the remote location 204, as in the case of a pneumatic delivery system.

  Furthermore, the delivery device 200 has a gripper 230, which is only schematically represented in FIG. 3a. Here, the gripper 230 grips the closure plug 235 and the closure plug 235 is used to close the sample container 145 prior to delivery of the sample container carrier 140 received therein. Is possible. For this purpose, the closure plug 235 is fitted over the top of the sample container 145. The gripper 230 and the closure plug 235 together form a closure device.

  The remote location 204 is formed along a further transport surface 110a, the two transport surfaces 110 and 110a being spatially separated. This means, for example, that a direct transfer of the sample container carrier 140 from the transport surface 110 to the further transport surface 110a is not possible.

  The sample distribution system 100 further includes an electronic control device 150. The electronic control device 150 has a processor and a program memory, and the program memory includes a program code for controlling the behavior of the processor.

  The electronic control device 150 can activate the electromagnets 120, 120 a and the drive unit 220. In addition, it can open and close the flap 14 of the capsule 10 and the flap 214 of the tube 210. In addition, it can activate the gripper 230. With the hall sensor 130, the control device 130 receives a check-back indication regarding the position of the sample container carrier 140.

  The control device 150 can move the sample container carrier 140 over the transport surface 110 or 110a by appropriate actuation of the electromagnet 120 or 120a, respectively. If the sample container carrier 140 in which the sample tube 145 is contained is to be transported from the transport surface 110 to the further transport surface 110a, the control device 150 moves the sample container carrier to a position along the transport surface 22. 140 is moved. It then activates the gripper 230 such that the sample tube 145 is closed by the closure plug 235. In this way, the sample contained in the sample tube 145 is protected from leakage. Subsequently, the control device 150 activates the electromagnet 120 and the electromagnet 24 contained within the capsule 10 so that the sample container carrier 140 is moved onto the transport surface 22. In other words, the sample container carrier 140 receiving the sample tube 145 therein is moved into the capsule 10. The sample tube 145 is in this case stabilized laterally by the holding device 26.

  Subsequently, the control device 150 causes the closure of the two flaps 14, 214 and actuates the drive unit 220 so that a negative pressure is created in the tube 210 above the capsule 10. This pulls the capsule 10 toward the remote location 204. Thereupon, the corresponding flap (which is not shown in FIG. 3b) is opened and the sample container carrier 140 in which the sample container 145 is contained is transferred to the further transport surface 110a by the electromagnet 120a. On the further transport surface 110 a, the sample container carrier 140 in which the sample container 145 is contained can be moved in the same way as on the transport surface 110.

  Instead of a further transport surface 110a, an analyzer can be provided at the remote location 204, and the sample container carrier 140 receiving the sample container 145 therein can be taken to the analyzer. Please understand that. Similarly, the same procedure can be performed in reverse order, ie, for example, delivering a sample container carrier 140 in which a sample container 145 is contained from a further transport surface 110a to the transport surface 110. Please understand that is possible.

The sample distribution system 100 is a component of a laboratory automation system that includes multiple pre-analysis stations, analysis stations, and post-analysis stations, and more specifically, the multiple pre-analysis stations, analysis stations, and post-analysis stations include Not shown and located along the transport surface 110 and / or 110a. The sample distribution system 100 serves to transport sample containers between these stations.

Claims (11)

A sample container (145) received in each sample container carrier (140) is moved from the transport surface (110) of the sample distribution system (100) to a position (204) external to the transport surface (110). And / or a delivery device (200) for delivering from the external location (204) to the transport surface (110),
Each sample container carrier (140) includes at least one magnetically active element, the at least one magnetically active element being a magnetic field generated by at least one electromagnetic actuator (120, 120a). Adapted to interact, and a driving force is applied to the sample container carrier (140);
The delivery device (200) is
A tube (210) leading from the transport surface (110) to the external location (204);
Capsule (movable between said transport surface (110) and said external location (204) in said tube (210) and comprising a transport surface (22) for receiving said sample container carrier (140) 10) and
A drive unit (220) adapted to move the capsule (10) in the tube (210) between the transport surface (110) and the external location (204);
A delivery device (200) comprising: at least one electromagnetic actuator (24) disposed below the transport surface (22) and adapted to apply a driving force to the sample container carrier (140) ). A closure device (230, 235) adapted to close the sample container (145) before the sample container (145) is introduced into the capsule (10)
The delivery device (200) according to claim 1, characterized by: The capsule (10) includes a holding device (26), and the holding device (26) fixes the sample container carrier (140) together with the sample container (145) in the capsule (10). 3. The delivery device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is adapted to. The capsule (10a) includes a plurality of transport surfaces (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d), and at least one electromagnetic actuator (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) has a respective transport surface (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d),
Said capsule (10) comprises means (28a), said means (28a) being suitable for loading and / or unloading one of said conveying surfaces (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) The delivery device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is adapted to be taken to a specific location. A plurality of sample container carriers (140) for receiving one or more sample containers (145), each sample container carrier (140) comprising at least one magnetically active element, One magnetically active element is adapted to interact with a magnetic field generated by at least one electromagnetic actuator (120, 120a), and a driving force is applied to the sample container carrier (140). A plurality of sample container carriers (140) adapted to,
A transport surface (110) adapted to carry the sample container carrier (140);
A sample container carrier (140) that is stationary and disposed below the transport surface (110) and that is disposed on the transport surface (110) by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carrier (140). A plurality of electromagnetic actuators (120) adapted to move the
A delivery device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims;
A control device (150), the control device (150) comprising:
The electromagnetic actuator (120) disposed below the transport surface (110) is activated so that each sample container carrier (140) moves along the transport path (110) along a predeterminable travel path. To move on,
Activating the at least one electromagnetic actuator (24) disposed below the transport surface (22) and / or the electromagnetic actuator (120) disposed below the transport surface (110) The container carrier (140) is moved from the transport surface (110) to the transport surface (22) or from the transport surface (22) to the transport surface (110). And
The drive unit (220) is activated so that the capsule (10) is moved in the tube (210) between the transport surface (110) and the external position (204). A sample distribution system (100) adapted to be. By being moved through the tube (210), the capsule (10) can be brought to a loading position, where the transport surface (22) is moved to the transport surface (110). The sample distribution system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that it forms a horizontal extension. In order to deliver a sample container carrier (140) positioned on the transport surface (110), the control device (150) comprises:
The drive unit (220) is activated and the capsule (10) is moved to a loading position, where the transport surface (22) is level with the transport surface (110). Forming an extension,
The sample container carrier (140) to be delivered is activated by activating the electromagnetic actuator (120) disposed below the transport surface (110), and the capsule ( 10) is moved,
Activating the at least one electromagnetic actuator (24) disposed under the transport surface (22) and / or the electromagnetic actuator (120) disposed under the transport surface (110); A sample container carrier (140) is adapted to be moved onto the transport surface (22);
Activated the drive unit (220) and adapted to allow the capsule (10) to be moved through the tube (210) in the direction of the external position (204) Sample distribution system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that. To receive the sample container carrier (140) positioned in the capsule (10), the control device (150)
The drive unit (220) is activated and the capsule (10) is moved to a loading position together with the sample container carrier (140) contained therein, in the loading position The transport surface (22) forms a horizontal extension of the transport surface (110);
Activating the electromagnetic actuator (120) disposed under the transport surface (110) and / or the at least one electromagnetic actuator (24) disposed under the transport surface (22), 8. Sample container carrier (140) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it is adapted to be moved onto the transport surface (110). Sample distribution system (100). A further transport surface (110a) in the external location (204) and adapted to transport the sample container carrier (140);
A plurality of further electromagnetic actuators (120a) that are stationary and disposed below the further transport surface (110a), wherein the further transport surface is applied by applying a magnetic force to the sample container carrier (140). A plurality of further electromagnetic actuators (120a) adapted to move the sample container carrier (140) disposed on (110),
Sample container carrier (140) from the transport surface (110) to the further transport surface (110a) and / or from the further transport surface (110a) to the transport surface (110) 9. A sample dispensing system (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, adapted to deliver. The transport surface (110, 110a) is divided into logical zones, each logical zone being assigned to the electromagnetic actuator (120) from the plurality of electromagnetic actuators (120) or the plurality of further electromagnetic actuators (120a). And
The transport surface (22) of the capsule (10) forms a further logical zone, when the transport surface (22) forms a horizontal extension of the respective transport surface (110, 110a). The control device (150) treats the logical zone formed by the transport surface (22) as a logical zone of one of the transport surfaces (110, 110a). The sample distribution system (100) of any one of claims 5-9. A plurality of pre-analysis stations, analysis stations, and / or post-analysis stations adapted to process sample containers and / or samples contained in each sample container;
A sample dispensing system (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 10 for dispensing the sample containers between the pre-analysis station, analysis station, and / or post-analysis station. Laboratory automation system.

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